Justin Gaethje does not like short-notice fights, however says he now has sufficient time to be at full power for UFC 249 when he faces Tony Ferguson for the interim light-weight title. The 12-bout UFC 249 proper card takes place Saturday, Could 9 at Vystar Veterans Memorial Area in Jacksonville, Fla. The fourth-ranked Gaethje initially took the battle on two weeks’ discover as a fill-in for sitting champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, who’s caught in his native Russia due to journey bans.

Gaethje brazenly lamented a scarcity of coaching for the previously-scheduled April 18 bout, however says the three extra weeks of preparation time will give him the higher hand. Nonetheless, he has his work reduce out towards the top-ranked Ferguson, who has gained 12 consecutive fights. Ferguson is a -170 favourite (danger $170 to win $100), whereas Gaethje is a +150 underdog within the newest UFC 249 odds at William Hill. Within the co-main occasion, champion Henry Cejudo (-240) defends the bantamweight crown towards Dominick Cruz (+200). Earlier than you lock in any picks for the UFC 249 card, be sure you try the most recent UFC predictions from SportsLine MMA analyst Kyle Marley.

Marley gained the first-ever “ToutMaster” UFC betting contest sponsored by MMAOddsBreaker and likewise seems often on a number of MMA betting and DFS reveals. Over the previous 12 months, $100 bettors who’ve adopted Marley’s picks are up practically $19,000.

At UFC 248, Marley advised SportsLine members to anticipate middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (-275) to retain his title towards Yoel Romero (+235) by unanimous determination. He argued that Adesanya would decide Romero aside on the ft and was confirmed right, because the champ dominated the motion with leg kicks whereas dodging Romero’s explosive energy. Additionally, Marley went a surprising 9-2-1 at UFC Battle Night time 170, the final UFC occasion. Anybody who has constantly adopted Marley is means up.

Now, with UFC 249 quick approaching, Marley has rigorously studied each matchup on the cardboard, recognized one of the best worth within the UFC odds and launched his MMA picks for each battle. These choices are solely accessible at SportsLine.

Gaethje vs. Ferguson preview

Marley is aware of the 36-year-old Ferguson (25-3) is available in on a 12-fight successful streak and hasn’t misplaced since Could 2012. He’s revered for his fearlessness and skill to win by way of a wide range of MMA disciplines. Six of his final eight victories have come by stoppage, together with a TKO of Donald Cerrone final 12 months and a submission of Anthony Pettis in October 2018. The highest-ranked Ferguson briefly held the interim belt after beating Kevin Lee by submission in October 2017.

Ferguson faces a problem from the No. 4-ranked Gaethje (21-2), the previous World Sequence of Preventing champion who has been ready for a title alternative amid a crowded division. It’s believed the winner of the Could 9 predominant occasion will get to problem the Russian champ for the unified title.

Each combatants are revered veterans who’ve 28 UFC appearances mixed. Souza (26-8-1), 40, is the previous Strikeforce middleweight titleholder however has by no means gained a UFC crown. The Brazilian has earned efficiency bonuses in 5 of his previous eight outings regardless of dropping 4 of his previous six bouts. He dropped a break up determination towards gentle heavyweight contender Jan Blachowicz in November.

Corridor, 35, first gained recognition in 2013 on the fact present “The Final Fighter,” the place he reached the finals of the tournament-style competitors. He misplaced a break up determination to Kelvin Gastelum, who went on to battle for the UFC middleweight title.

The Jamaican has had an uneven UFC profession, however has gained three of his previous 4 bouts on the heels of a three-fight dropping streak.

“Souza is close to the tip of his profession, however that is nonetheless a great matchup for him,” Marley advised SportsLine. “Corridor is the extra harmful striker, however I do not suppose he’s going to have an edge on his ft. If he will get taken down, he is in hassle.”

Learn how to make UFC 249 picks

Marley additionally has sturdy picks for Ferguson vs. Gaethje and each different bout on the UFC 249 card. He is additionally backing one man who’s “the scariest fighter alive.” You’ll be able to solely see each decide for each UFC battle right here.